Pronunciation: [ɹɪpˈa͡ɪnz] (IPA) 
The word "repines" is spelled with the letters R-E-P-I-N-E-S. The first syllable is pronounced as "ree" (/ri/), followed by the short "ih" sound (/ɪ/) in the second syllable. The third syllable has a long "ai" sound (/eɪ/), and the final syllable is pronounced as "z" (/z/). "Repines" is the third person present form of the verb "repine," which means to feel discontent or sadness.
The word "repines" is a verb that refers to experiencing deep sadness, sorrow, or discontent over something, particularly in a silent or hidden manner. It is an archaic term that was commonly used in classic literature and poetry.
When someone "repines," they often keep their feelings of discontentment or sadness to themselves, rather than expressing them outwardly. They might suffer silently, silently lamenting or grieving.
"Repines" can also be understood as harboring a sense of longing or yearning for something that is perceived as unattainable or lost. It conveys a sense of internal struggle and desolation, suggesting the hidden depth of one's emotional turmoil.
The word distinguishes itself from more explicit expressions of grief or sadness, highlighting a quiet and introspective type of sorrow. It carries a certain poetic and reflective quality, often associated with elegiac or melancholic literature.
Its meaning is rooted in the Old French word "repenir," meaning "to repent" or "to regret," which conveys the idea that the person experiencing repines may be lamenting something they feel remorseful about. Therefore, repines carry a sense of remorse and longing for what is perceived as lost or impossible to regain, evoking an undertone of profound sadness or discontent.
The word repines is derived from the Latin word repere, which means to crawl or creep or to go secretly. In Old French, it evolved into repiner, which had the meaning of to protest or complain. Over time, the word made its way into Middle English as repinen, referring to a feeling of discontentment or dissatisfaction. This eventually gave rise to the modern usage of repines as a verb meaning to express discontent or sorrow.
